Sarasota County officials aim to smooth communication

Sarasota County Commissioner Carolyn Mason will lead the board in 2013.

By CARRIE WELLS

Published: Friday, December 7, 2012 at 10:59 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, December 7, 2012 at 10:59 p.m.

SARASOTA COUNTY - At their annual retreat on Friday, Sarasota County officials sought to tackle what they say has emerged as one of their largest challenges — communication.

County Commission meetings have become increasingly contentious this year, with commissioners sparring with staff and staff reportedly worried about the potential tongue-lashings they may get.

Commissioners also have complained that they do not get information from the employees they direct, that they are not kept in the loop on upcoming meetings with the public and that their emails sometimes go without a response from staff.

County Administrator Randall Reid, nearing his one-year anniversary on the job, asked for feedback on ways to bring order to the communications.

“We’re human, we all make mistakes, but if you’re more forthcoming with the fact that you made a mistake it’s better than if you try to cover up the mistake,” Commissioner Christine Robinson said, describing her advice for staff.

After a scandal over contracting practices last year resulted in the resignation of the former county administrator and numerous other top officials, the county government has spent much of 2012 trying to get things back on track.

The retreat was intended to be a way for commissioners, Reid and three new assistant county administrators to openly discuss how to move forward.

Their mission, they decided, would be to become the “most liveable and best managed community in the country.”

Part of that will include new procedures for responding to citizen complaints or requests for information, and for when commissioners have questions, that are intended to make the process more efficient.

Reid gave commissioners a list of 93 items he wanted them to think about. He also emphasized rebuilding trust in staff.

Commissioners decided that their priorities for next year’s budget, as revenues grow slowly after the recession, will be maintaining things like parks and ballfields, and making road improvements.

There could also be a renewed focus on what the county can do to address homelessness next year. Commissioner Carolyn Mason said she believes there should be a “one-stop” center for homeless services in both North and South County.

Commissioners also agreed with Reid that quarterly updates on major public works projects would be helpful.

The discussion got sidetracked, however, over the issue of a project to upgrade the amenities at Siesta Key Beach. Some commissioners said they were disappointed that “incomplete” information about the project was released to the public and media.

Most agreed there should be more control over what is released to the public and media.

<p><em>SARASOTA COUNTY</em> - At their annual retreat on Friday, Sarasota County officials sought to tackle what they say has emerged as one of their largest challenges — communication.</p><p>County Commission meetings have become increasingly contentious this year, with commissioners sparring with staff and staff reportedly worried about the potential tongue-lashings they may get.</p><p>Commissioners also have complained that they do not get information from the employees they direct, that they are not kept in the loop on upcoming meetings with the public and that their emails sometimes go without a response from staff.</p><p>County Administrator Randall Reid, nearing his one-year anniversary on the job, asked for feedback on ways to bring order to the communications.</p><p>“We're human, we all make mistakes, but if you're more forthcoming with the fact that you made a mistake it's better than if you try to cover up the mistake,” Commissioner Christine Robinson said, describing her advice for staff.</p><p>After a scandal over contracting practices last year resulted in the resignation of the former county administrator and numerous other top officials, the county government has spent much of 2012 trying to get things back on track.</p><p>The retreat was intended to be a way for commissioners, Reid and three new assistant county administrators to openly discuss how to move forward.</p><p>Their mission, they decided, would be to become the “most liveable and best managed community in the country.”</p><p>Part of that will include new procedures for responding to citizen complaints or requests for information, and for when commissioners have questions, that are intended to make the process more efficient.</p><p>Reid gave commissioners a list of 93 items he wanted them to think about. He also emphasized rebuilding trust in staff.</p><p>Commissioners decided that their priorities for next year's budget, as revenues grow slowly after the recession, will be maintaining things like parks and ballfields, and making road improvements.</p><p>There could also be a renewed focus on what the county can do to address homelessness next year. Commissioner Carolyn Mason said she believes there should be a “one-stop” center for homeless services in both North and South County.</p><p>Commissioners also agreed with Reid that quarterly updates on major public works projects would be helpful.</p><p>The discussion got sidetracked, however, over the issue of a project to upgrade the amenities at Siesta Key Beach. Some commissioners said they were disappointed that “incomplete” information about the project was released to the public and media.</p><p>Most agreed there should be more control over what is released to the public and media.</p><p>“Don't let them dictate the urgency,” Commissioner Charles Hines instructed Reid, referring to the timeliness of staff's responses to media questions.</p><p>Commissioner Christine Robinson also asked if there was “anything we can do” about information written in guest columns or elsewhere that the county believes to be false.</p><p>Commissioners also chose Mason as board chair in 2013, and the newly-elected Hines as vice-chair. The chair runs the meetings.</p>